Men&#39;s underwear with a barrier

ABSTRACT

A man&#39;s underwear having a first fabric layer connecting a first leg receiving portion, a second leg portion, and a waist receiving portion such that the waist portion can be located above the first and second leg receiving portion and the first and second leg receiving portions are laterally spaced apart. The first fabric layer having an internal facing surface and an externally facing surface. The first fabric layer further having and a frontal region and a dorsal region. A barrier layer connecting a first genital receiving portion to the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer. The barrier layer forming a substantial boundary between the user&#39;s genitalia and their surrounding anatomy while the user&#39;s genitalia remains in a substantially natural position.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to men's underwear. More specifically, the present invention relates to men's underwear having a barrier between the male genitalia and the surrounding anatomy (e.g., legs, inner thighs, stomach, buttocks).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A man's underwear having a first fabric layer connecting a first leg receiving portion, a second leg portion, and a waist receiving portion such that the waist portion can be located above the first and second leg receiving portion and the first and second leg receiving portions can be laterally spaced apart. The first fabric layer can have an internal facing surface and an externally facing surface. The first fabric layer further can have a frontal region and a dorsal region. A barrier layer can connect a first genital receiving portion to the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer. The barrier layer can substantially inhibit contact of user's genitalia with the user's surrounding anatomy while the user's genitalia remains in a substantially unmodified natural position. While remaining in this unmodified natural position, the barrier can reduce the friction between the genitalia and surrounding tissue. This barrier can thereby reduce rashes, chaffing, and sweating on either or both of the genitalia and surrounding tissue.

The first genital receiving portion can be shaped for receiving the primary and secondary genitalia. For example, the first genital receiving portion shape can be at least one of a round and oval shape.

An area of connection can be created by the connection of the barrier layer to the first fabric. This area of connection can a substantially round, square, or rectangular shape.

The barrier can be a substantially three-dimensional shaped barrier having at least one of frusto-conical and frusto-pyramidal shape. The first genital receiving portion of the barrier can include a stretch material region. The stretch region can include a different material than that of remaining portion of the barrier layer.

The barrier layer can include at least a first and second material layer. In some instances, the first material layer can be different from the second material layer. Further, at least one of the material layers can be constructed of at least one of a substantially absorbent material, substantially non-absorbent material, and a material having wicking properties.

The barrier layer can be constructed of at least one two-dimensional barrier that can be shape modified into a three-dimensional barrier layer. The barrier shape can be substantially polygonal. Attaching at least two polygonal shaped barriers can create a three-dimensional barrier layer. Thus, attaching at least tow-polygonal shaped barriers can shape modify the two-dimensional barrier to a three-dimensional barrier.

A man's underwear can be created by, for example, connecting a first fabric layer to a first leg receiving portion, a second leg portion, and a waist receiving portion such that the waist portion can be located above the first and second leg receiving portion and the first and second leg receiving portions can be laterally spaced apart. The first fabric layer can have an internal facing surface and an externally facing surface and the first fabric layer can further have and a frontal region and a dorsal region. Further, connecting at least one two-dimensional barrier material layer can produce a three-dimensional barrier layer having a first genital receiving portion. This three-dimensional barrier layer can be connected to the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer such that the first genital receiving portion can, for example, not directly contacting the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer. The barrier layer can thus provide a substantial boundary between the user's genitalia and their surrounding anatomy. This substantial boundary can be produced while the user's genitalia remains in a substantially unmodified natural position.

Further, the at least one two-dimensional barrier material layer can further include a first, second, third, and forth two-dimensional material having a polygonal shape. The polygonal shape can include a first, second, third, and forth edge. In some instances, at least one of the edges of the first, second, third, and forth two-dimensional materials can be connected to at least one of the edges of another first, second, third, and forth two-dimensional materials by at least one of stitching and an adhesive. The first genital receiving portion can include a stretch material region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following, detailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiment of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustratively depicts an external view of men's underwear, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustratively depicts an everted view of men's underwear including a barrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustratively depicts a barrier with the opening for receiving genitalia, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustratively depicts the relative location of the barrier and genitalia in men's underwear, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustratively depicts a side view of the barrier attached to the fabric layer of men's underwear, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustratively depicts a pyramidal three-dimensional shape created when the barrier attaches to the fabric layer of men's underwear, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustratively depicts a domed three-dimensional shape created when the barrier attaches to the fabric layer of men's underwear, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustratively depict a two-dimensional barrier converted to a pyramidal three-dimensional shape barrier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustratively depict a two-dimensional barrier converted to a domed three-dimensional shape barrier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The human male genitalia generally comprises divided into two major regions, the primary genitalia or penis and the secondary genitalia or testes. The testes are generally contained within an extension of the abdomen called the scrotum. Such that the scrotum the external structure of the male genitalia is generally seen as the penis and the scrotum. Due to the structure of the male genitalia, the surrounding anatomy (e.g., upper legs, abdomen, inner thigh, and lower buttocks, etc.) of the body can at times be in contact the male genitalia. Further, both the skin surrounding the genitalia and the genitalia includes sweat glands which can cool the body by producing, perspiration, or sweat.

In modern society many males wear underwear. Underwear being any form of clothing designed to be worn under outer garments in contact with at least some of the anatomy surrounding the genitalia and the genitalia, such as, but not limited to, briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, long underwear, and pajama pants. The disclosed subject matter, includes underwear having a barrier between the surrounding anatomy and the male genitalia. Although the barriers separates the genitalia from the surrounding anatomy, the barrier does not substantially interfere with the natural, unmodified positioning of the genitalia. Further, the barrier reduces the friction between the genitalia and surrounding tissue while the genitalia remains in a unmodified natural position. Thus, the barrier can reduce rashes, chaffing, and sweating on either or both of the genitalia and surrounding tissue. For ease, only briefs will be described and illustratively depicted, however, any reasonable form of underwear intended for a male can include the disclosed barrier.

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an external view of men's underwear (in other words briefs) is illustratively depicted. As shown, underwear 100 includes a fabric layer 102 connecting a waist receiving opening 104, a first leg receiving opening 106, and second leg receiving opening 108. Waist receiving opening 104 can be located above first and second leg receiving openings 106, 108 which are laterally spaced apart. Fabric layer 102 includes an external surface 103 facing away from the body and an internal surface (not shown) contacting at least some of the skin surrounding the genitalia and the genitalia. For example, the frontal region of fabric layer 102 can contact the upper thighs, waist, and genitalia while the dorsal region (not shown) can contact the buttocks and lower back. In some instances, underwear 100 can be constructed to include a flap 110 for allowing access to the genitalia. Although indicated as a flap, flap 110 can include any reasonable access point to the genitalia, such as, but not limited to, zipper, buttons, a hole, a slit, or any other reasonable genital access point.

Referring to FIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an everted view of underwear 100, illustratively depicts barrier 200 having an opening 202 for receiving genitalia (not shown) such that the genitalia are substantially blocked from contacting the surrounding anatomy. That is, underwear 100 is depicted turned inside out (in other words an everted view) such that barrier 200 can be visible. As shown, barrier 200 can be located in the frontal region of underwear 100. Barrier 200 includes a first surface (not shown) facing away from the body and towards the internal surface 203 of fabric layer 102 and a second surface 204 facing towards the surrounding anatomy (e.g., upper legs, abdomen, inner thigh, etc.). Accordingly, the first surface of barrier 200 substantially contacts the genitalia while the second surface 204 of barrier 200 substantially contacts the surrounding anatomy.

Referring to FIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, illustratively depicts barrier 200 with genitalia 302, including a penis 302A and a scrotum 302B, and inserted through opening 202. As shown, genitalia 302 can be received through opening 202 and can be substantially in contact with first surface 304 of barrier 200.

Referring to FIG. 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the relative location of barrier 200 and genitalia 302 in underwear 100 is illustratively depicted. As shown, barrier 200 and genitalia 302 are depicted in phantom indicating that they are located behind fabric layer 102. As shown, both barrier 200 and genitalia 302 are located in the frontal region of underwear 100 internal to fabric layer 102. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, this placement of barrier 200 and genitalia 302 behind fabric 102 can be designed so an access point, such as a flap, can be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 can be designed to minimize contact of genitalia 302 from the surrounding anatomy while not substantially interfering with the natural positioning of the genitalia. That is, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 can be designed such that genitalia 302 remains in a substantially unmodified and natural position. Further, because the genitalia remains separated from the surrounding anatomy frictional contact between the two is generally lessened. For example, opening 202 can loosely connect to the base (in other words part closest to the surrounding anatomy) of genitalia 302 allowing genitalia 302 to remain in a substantially natural position with barrier 200 substantially inhibiting contact of genitalia 302 with the surrounding anatomy. Effectively, barrier 200 can be designed such that the natural shape of the genitalia remains not substantially modified. Rather, barrier 200 including opening 202 attached to fabric layer 102 of underwear 100 can be a loose material providing space for genitalia 302 to remain in a substantially natural position.

Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a side view of barrier 200 attached to fabric layer 102 is illustratively depicted. As shown, a three-dimensional shaped barrier can be created by barrier 200. For example, when genitalia are inserted through opening 202, a natural distancing can occur as fabric layer 102 and opening 202 offset providing space for genitalia 302. This offset creates a three-dimensional shaped barrier. This offset can range from about 1 inch to about 12 inches. In some instances, the offset is intentionally over sized to compensate for increases in size of the male genitalia, such as, but not limited to an erection. The volume of space in the three-dimensional shaped barrier is such that when the genitalia are inserted through opening 202, the genitalia to move about without substantially interfering with their natural position and motion, for example, while running or playing sports. As the male genitalia comes in different shapes and sizes, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the volume of space created by the three-dimensional shaped barrier can be predicated on the size of a user's genitalia. For example, sizing of underwear can be based on a combination of waist size and genitalia size. In some instances the sizing of genitalia may be based on at least one of, but not limited to, a numerical scale, an alphabetical scales, a alphanumeric scales, or any other scale reasonable for gauging the size of male genitalia.

Referring to FIG. 6, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, where barrier 200 and fabric layer 102 intersect a polygonal shape can be created, such as, for example, a substantial rectangular shape. Since opening 202 can be substantially round this creates a substantially pyramidal three-dimensional shaped barrier that separates the genitalia from the surrounding anatomy while the genitalia remain in a substantially unmodified natural position. Referring to FIG. 7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, where barrier 200 and fabric layer 102 intersect a substantial round shape can be created. Since opening 202 can be substantially round this creates a substantially domed three-dimensional shaped barrier that separates the genitalia from the surrounding anatomy while the genitalia remain in a substantially unmodified natural position. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 and fabric layer 102 can intersect creating any reasonable shape such as, but not limited to, triangular, square, polygonal, hexagonal, circular, oval, rectangular, and the like. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a round shape created will have a diameter of about 2 inches to 9 inches, a rectangular shape will have a lateral length of about 2 inches to 4 inches and a height of about 3 inches to 9 inches.

Further, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, opening 202 can be a shape designed to receive genitalia. The opening 202 can be formed by removing, or cleaving, the apex of the conical or pyramidal three-dimensional shaped barrier to create a surface that conforms with the portion of the genitalia adjacent the abdomen. Accordingly, the barrier can form a frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal shape. For example, opening 202 can be round, oval, ellipsoidal, or any other reasonable shape for receiving genitalia. Thus, as opening 202 offsets from a where barrier 200 and fabric layer 102 intersect a large number three-dimensional constructs can be created. Further, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the combination of the shape of opening 202 and the shape created where barrier 200 and fabric layer 102 intersect, and in some instances the distance of the offset, can be modified such that the genitalia substantially do not contact the surrounding anatomy while maintaining their natural positioning.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, opening 202 can include a stretch material region. The stretch material region creates a tighter fit around the genitalia substantially reducing the genitalia from unintendedly exiting opening 202 while also intendedly allowing the genitalia to be placed through opening 202 separated from the surrounding anatomy by barrier 200. For example, opening 202 can include an elastic stretch region, such as, for example, stretch region 602 extending from the entrance of opening 202 to a distal edge 604 depicted in phantom. For example, stretch region 602 can extend from the entrance of opening 202 to a distal edge 602 about 1 mm to about 1.5 inches. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, stretch region 602 can be designed to stretch around the penis and scrotum of the user. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, stretch region 602 can be designed to provide a tighter fit on the skin behind the scrotum and the contact area on the shaft of the penis. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, stretch region 602 can be a substantially different material than the material used in the remaining portion of barrier 200. For example, stretch region 602 can be made of a blend of, or any one of, nylon, cotton, polyester, natural rubber thread, spandex, or any other reasonable material for making a stretchable material.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 can be constructed of at least one of substantially absorbent material, substantially non-absorbent material, and a material having wicking properties. For example, barrier 200 can be constructed of wool, linen (in other words flax material), hemp, silk, cotton, ramie, nylon, acrylic, polyester, or any other reasonable material. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 can include layers made of substantially different materials. For example, barrier 200 can have a first layer designed for contacting the genitalia including a wicking material, a second layer on top of the first layer including a substantially non-absorbent material, and a third layer on top of the second layer including a substantially absorbent material. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 can be constructed of a mesh, weave, braid, knit, lace, felt, or a nonwoven material such as, but not limited to a bonded material. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, barrier 200 can be constructed of at least two different materials depending on the location of the material. For example, a first substantially stretchable material can be used stretch material region 602 while a second materials, such as, for example, cotton can be used for the remaining portion of barrier 200.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, at least two substantially two-dimensional shapes can be combined to produce a three-dimensional shaped barrier 200. By comparing FIGS. 8A and 8B, for example, barrier 200 can be constructed of four substantially two-dimensional trapezoidal shaped materials 802, 804, 806, and 808 combined together to yield a substantially pyramidal three-dimensional shaped barrier 200. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when at least two substantially two-dimensional shapes are combined the dimensions can be the same or substantially different for any of the two-dimensional shapes. For example, trapezoidal shape 808 can be larger in dimension than at least one other trapezoidal shape providing more slack in the lower region of barrier 200. For example, referring to FIG. 8A, trapezoidal shape 808 can include a first edge 810 ranging in size from about four to eight inches, a second edge 812 ranging in size from about a quarter of an inch to two inches, having a distance from the first edge 810 to the second edge 812 of about 2 two 6 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, at least one substantially two-dimensional shape can be shape modified to produce a three-dimensional shaped barrier 200. By comparing FIGS. 9A and 9B, for example, barrier 200 can be constructed of a single two-dimensional shaped material 902 rolled having edge 904 and 906 combined to yield a substantially domed three-dimensional shaped barrier 200.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, opening 202 can be created in barrier 200 by removing a desired amount of material from each substantially two-dimensional shapes at any time prior to combining the material, after combining the material, or any point in between. For example, after each of two-dimensional shapes are combined opening 202 can be punched into it. Alternatively, each of two-dimensional shapes can include a geometric design such that when they are combined opening 202 can be created.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the substantially two-dimensional shapes can be combined together by, for example, stitching, adhesive, or any combination therein. For example, referring back to FIGS. 8A and 8B, each of trapezoidal shaped materials 802, 804, 806, and 808 can be stitched together using any of reasonable form of stitch, such as, but not limited to back tack stitch, backstitch, basting stitch (or tacking), blanket stitch, blind stitch (or hem stitch), buttonhole stitch, chain stitch, cross-stitch, darning stitch, embroidery stitch, hemming stitch, lockstitch, machine stitch, straight stitch, overhand stitch, overlock stitch, pad stitch, padding stitch, running stitch, slip stitch, stretch stitch, tent stitch, topstitch, whipstitch (or oversewing or overcast stitch), and zig-zag stitch. Alternatively, for example each of trapezoidal shaped materials 802, 804, 806, and 808 can be adhered together using an adhesive, such as, but not limited to natural adhesives, synthetic adhesives, drying adhesives, contact adhesives, hot adhesives, emulsion adhesives, UV and light curing adhesives, and pressure sensitive adhesives.

Now that exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and limited only by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification. 

1. A man's underwear, comprising: a first fabric layer connecting a first leg receiving portion, a second leg portion, and a waist receiving portion such that the waist portion is located above the first and second leg receiving portion and the first and second leg receiving portions are laterally spaced apart; the first fabric layer having an internal facing surface and an externally facing surface; the first fabric layer further having a frontal region and a dorsal region; a barrier layer connecting a first genital receiving portion to the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer; and the barrier layer forming a substantial boundary between the user's genitalia and their surrounding anatomy while the user's genitalia remains in a substantially unmodified natural position and substantially reduces chafing of at least one of the user's genitalia and surrounding anatomy.
 2. The man's underwear of claim 1, wherein the first genital receiving portion is shaped for receiving the primary and secondary genitalia.
 3. The man's underwear of claim 1, wherein the first genital receiving portion shape is at least one of a round and oval shape.
 4. The man's underwear of claim 1, wherein an area of connection is created by the connection of the barrier layer to the first fabric; the area of connection shape being at least one of substantially round, square, and rectangular.
 5. The barrier layer of claim 1, wherein the barrier is a substantially three-dimensional shaped barrier having at least one of frusto-conical and frusto-pyramidal shape.
 6. The barrier layer of claim 1, wherein the first genital receiving portion includes a stretch material region.
 7. The stretch region of claim 6, wherein the stretch region includes a different material than that of remaining portion of the barrier layer.
 8. The barrier layer of claim 1, further comprising at least a first and second material layer; the first material layer being different from the second material layer; and wherein at least one of the material layers is constructed of at least one of a substantially absorbent material, substantially non-absorbent material, and a material having wicking properties.
 9. The barrier layer of claim 1, further comprising at least one two-dimensional barrier shape modified into a three-dimensional barrier layer.
 10. The two-dimensional barrier of claim 9, wherein the barrier shape is substantially polygonal and attaching at least two polygonal shaped barriers creates a three-dimensional barrier layer.
 11. A method for making man's underwear, comprising: connecting a first fabric layer to a first leg receiving portion, a second leg portion, and a waist receiving portion such that the waist portion is located above the first and second leg receiving portion and the first and second leg receiving portions are laterally spaced apart; the first fabric layer having an internal facing surface and an externally facing surface and the first fabric layer further having and a frontal region and a dorsal region; connecting at least one two-dimensional barrier material layer to produce a three-dimensional barrier layer having a first genital receiving portion; connecting the three-dimensional barrier layer to the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer such that the first genital receiving portion is not directly contacting the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer; and forming the barrier layer such that a substantial boundary between the user's genitalia and their surrounding anatomy is produced while the user's genitalia remains in a substantially unmodified natural position.
 12. The at least one two-dimensional barrier material layer of claim 11, further comprising a first, second, third, and forth two-dimensional material having a polygonal shape; the polygonal shape including a first, second, third, and forth edge; wherein at least one of the edges of the first, second, third, and forth two-dimensional materials are connected to at least one of the edges another first, second, third, and forth two-dimensional materials by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.
 13. The first genital receiving portion of claim 11, further comprising a stretch material region. 